Naomi Watts’ Tearful Goodbye To Son Sasha As He Heads To Usc

  • By Miles
  • Aug. 19, 2025, 1 p.m.

Heartfelt Hollywood Farewell for Naomi Watts

Los Angeles is all about glitz and glam, but even A-listers like Naomi Watts can’t escape the raw emotion of a family milestone. The 56-year-old actress was in full mom mode, shedding tears as she bid goodbye to her son Sasha, who’s off to start his college adventure at the University of Southern California (USC) - right in the heart of LA’s collegiate scene. Naomi shared the bittersweet moment on Instagram, giving us a peek into a tender SoCal send-off that’s got everyone feeling the feels.

In a story post, Sasha, 18, towers over his mom in a photo that screams ‘proud parent.’ Standing next to his luggage, Naomi - rocking an oversized beige blazer, white button-up, and baggy jeans - hides her face in his shoulder, clearly not ready to let go. Sasha, looking chill in a white tee, blue jeans, and a gold chain, wraps an arm around her waist, facing the camera with a mix of excitement and nerves.

“Man, saying goodbye is tougher than any red carpet moment - my heart’s breaking but I’m so proud of him,” Naomi seemed to express through her emotional caption, “Already balling.”
Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts

Sibling Love and USC Dreams

The family affair didn’t stop with Naomi. Her 16-year-old daughter Kai got in on the emotional action, sharing a tight hug with her big bro Sasha before he headed off to campus. In another Instagram snap, Kai buries her face in Sasha’s shoulder, both of them wrapped in a heartfelt embrace that shows just how close this sibling duo is.

Sasha, looking visibly upset to leave his little sis behind, is clearly the protective big brother. Kai, a budding model, is part of this tight-knit Hollywood family, and the goodbye hit hard for everyone. These pics are a reminder that even in the land of palm trees and premieres, family bonds are the real deal.

Meanwhile, Sasha’s stoked to dive into USC life. Back in April, he announced his commitment to the BFA in Acting program via the USC Class of 2029 Instagram account, repping his New York City roots with pride. “Hey, I’m Sasha, and I’m 100 percent in for USC - love acting, soccer, surfing, skating, cooking, and partying. Hit me up if you vibe with any of this!” he posted, already on the hunt for new friends and a roommate in true Trojan spirit.

Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber

Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber

Blended Family, West Coast Style

Naomi shares Sasha and Kai with her ex, Liev Schreiber, whom she dated from 2005 to 2016 before their split. But in true Hollywood - and frankly, very LA - fashion, these two have mastered the art of co-parenting. Liev also took to Instagram to share a sweet pic with Sasha, arms slung around each other, with a caption that hits right in the heart: “Starting to feel the pull. Gonna miss my ride or die. USC is getting one of the deepest, kindest, bravest, and most beautiful boys I’ve ever known.”

Their family has grown and evolved over the years, with Naomi tying the knot with actor Billy Crudup in 2023, and Liev marrying Taylor Neisen the same year, welcoming their daughter Hazel Bee soon after. Despite the changes, they’ve kept their focus on creating a supportive, blended family vibe that’s as sunny as a Malibu afternoon. Naomi once told Net-A-Porter, “We’re doing things differently, and I’m pretty proud of us, corny as that sounds. Being good and kind to each other is our priority.”

Co-parenting isn’t always a walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as Naomi admitted to The Sunday Times. “It’s not always a cakewalk, but it’s our endgame to have a good relationship, and we’ve put in the energy to make it work - it matters to the kids,” she said. In a town known for drama, this family is showing up for each other, proving that love and commitment can outshine even the brightest Tinseltown spotlight.

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Miles
Author: Miles